The Wednesday Weekly Addiction + Recovery News Clips - April 12, 2023
The Wednesday Weekly is a collaboration of Sober Linings Playbook and Recovery in the Middle Ages Podcast.
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Highlights
National
UK dog treated for alcohol addiction | Lawsuit over kratom in wellness drink
Fentanyl
Harm reduction key to fighting fentanyl | Xylazine on the rise
State and Local
Oakland, CA adopts contingency management to address meth addiction | Wisconsin allocates $10 million for addiction treatment programs for women
Studies/Research in the News
Doctor burnout linked to overprescribing opioids | Drinking in small amounts not linked to better health, longevity
Opinion
The case for expanding access to methadone | Ibogaine must be considered seriously for addiction treatment
Books and Movies
Macklemore releases new album and discusses recovery and relapse | “Blue Bag” memoir explores addiction and motherhood
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National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments
National
How Do You Know if You’re Addicted to Weed?
Nearly 6 percent of American teens and adults have cannabis use disorder. Despite the common misconception, people can become addicted to cannabis just as they can with other drugs, like alcohol or cocaine. As more states either decriminalize or legalize cannabis, more people are using it than ever before.
New York Times - April 10, 2023
Kristen Bell And Dax Shepard Didn't Keep This Uncomfortable Truth A Secret From Their Kids
Dax's struggle with addiction was always a pain point in their early relationship, but they continued to stay in each other's lives, work together on films, and eventually showed up at the Golden Globes together in 2013. They admit to wanting to show their kids active conflict resolutions and that it's okay to make mistakes and talk them out with people. This includes being completely open and honest about Dax's addiction and sobriety journey with their kids.
The Things - April 8, 2023
Rescue dog treated in rare case of alcohol addiction and withdrawal after owner dies
A Labrador mix had to be treated for alcoholism when rescued by a shelter after his owner died. Coco, from Devon, England, had to be sedated for four weeks to manage his withdrawal symptoms. Although the two-year-old remains a very anxious dog, he's doing well physically, said its carers.
Insider - April 8, 2023
Opioid Prescriptions to Come With Mail-Back Envelopes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to provide prepaid mail-back envelopes for people who receive opioid prescriptions in an outpatient setting. The move will hopefully address the safe disposal of leftover or unused opioid analgesic drugs.
Newsmax - April 8, 2023
Sobriety Surprises: Lena Dunham, Jason Biggs and Other Stars Who Revealed They Got Sober
Hollywood is no stranger to sober celebs, with many using their experiences to help other alcoholics and addicts find the courage they need to start their sobriety journey. Meanwhile, other stars say they’re simply grateful and want to live their lives in the open.
US Magazine - April 8, 2023
This Underutilized Addiction Medication Can Save Lives
Buprenorphine is a safe, evidence-based medication for opioid use disorder that can control drug cravings and prevent overdose deaths. Despite its safety profile, buprenorphine is under-prescribed, due to a lack of medical provider training, as well as stigma. The federal government recently lifted a regulatory burden on buprenorphine, but patients still need to advocate for access the medication.
Psychology Today - April 7, 2023
He kicked alcohol, became addicted to wellness drink that works like opioid, lawsuit says
A Santa Monica beverage company is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging the primary ingredient in its Feel Free kava drink is an addictive opioid-like substance known as kratom.
Los Angeles Times - April 7, 2023
Misuse of Adderall promotes stigma and mistrust for patients who need it – a neuroscientist explains the science behind the controversial ADHD drug
The nationwide shortages of Adderallthat began in fall 2022 have brought renewed attention to the beleaguered drug, which is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall became a go-to drug for ADHD over the past two decades but quickly came under fire because of overprescription and misuse.
Chron - April 7, 2023
Micheal Williams’ nephew reacts to heroin dealer’s gulity plea…“Hope he finds God in prison.”
Michael K. Williams' family is trying to move on from the trauma they've endured since his overdose, and his nephew says that process includes hoping the heroin dealer who sold the fatal batch to Michael finds help behind bars.
TMZ - April 7, 2023
Worsening opioid crisis drives more addiction treatment in ERs
The overdose crisis is prompting more hospitals to initiate opioid addiction treatment in emergency rooms — a change welcomed by many behavioral health experts. It's resurfacing tension among providers over who's really responsible for addressing the underlying problem of opioid misuse. Discharged patients are customarily referred to substance use programs in communities. Addiction experts say administering a drug to treat dependence like buprenorphine in a hospital can dramatically reduce the odds of a patient relapsing and provide a critical intervention.
Axios - April 5, 2023
Telehealth Prescription Rules May Change Soon. Here’s What to Know.
On May 11, the pandemic public health emergency is set to expire, and the Biden administration has proposed new rules for prescribing certain medications online once it ends. If and when these proposals go into effect, doctors will need to follow different, more restrictive guidelines when writing online prescriptions for controlled medications.
New York Times - April 5, 2023
FDA approves overdose reversal drug for over-the-counter sales
A drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose is now more accessible. The FDA approved the Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter sales. Doctors and first responders say making this opioid reversal drug more available could help lower the number of people dying from overdoses.
Fox - April 5, 2023
Hayden Panettiere Got Real About Dealing With Substance Abuse And Experiencing Liver Failure
In a new interview with the New York Times, Hayden opened up more about her past alcohol abuse and what led to her sobriety.
BuzzFeed - April 4, 2023
Lamar Odom Invests In Addiction Treatment Centers: ‘God Saved Me So I Can Save Others’
Lamar Odom is committed to helping others become sober. The former NBA star recently posted a photo to his Instagram announcing the new launch of his addiction treatment center, Odom Wellness Treatment Center, in San Diego County.
ET Canada - April 4, 2023
National State and Local Studies in the News Opinion Reviews Comments
Fentanyl (and Xylazine)
I was addicted to fentanyl. Here's what we should be doing about it.
I am writing this op-ed to defend harm reduction policy. As someone whose life was undoubtedly saved by these policies, I feel I am especially apt to address the critiques this approach has faced of late.
SFGATE - April 10, 2023
Crisis in Kensington: If 'good old-fashion heroin' was back, life would be better, recovering addict says
Rotting flesh. That’s a key indicator someone is addicted to xylazine, a drug sweeping the nation. And Kensington, a neighborhood in the City of Brotherly Love, served as ground zero. "It’s crazy to think … the good option is to have good old fashion heroin back," Frank Rodriguez, a local advocate, told Fox News. "That s--- sounds so crazy and so foreign to say or to think."
Fox - April 8, 2023
China: Fentanyl Trafficking Is Crisis 'Made in the USA'
There is no such thing as illegal trafficking of fentanyl between China and Mexico, China's foreign ministry said Thursday, responding to a letter from the Mexican president asking Beijing to help limit illicit flows of the deadly drug. "U.S. needs to face up to its own problems and take more substantive measures to strengthen regulation within its borders and reduce demand," Mao said, referring to drug abuse as a problem "made in the U.S."
Newsmax - April 6, 2023
Rapper Coolio's Cause of Death Revealed as Accidental Fentanyl, Heroin and Meth Overdose: Coroner
More than six months after he was found dead at a friend's house in Los Angeles, a cause of death for rapper Coolio has been revealed. The hip-hop star, 59, died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine on Sept. 28, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
People - April 6, 2023
'War on drugs' deja vu: Fentanyl overdoses spur states to seek tougher laws
An emotional debate is unfolding in state legislatures across the country as lawmakers move to crack down on drug crimes in response to growing anger and fear over the toll of a drug crisis killing thousands every month. In North Carolina, one of at least a dozen states this year that have considered tougher drug penalties, the Senate recently passed a measure that would expand prosecutors' ability to bring felony charges against anyone who gives a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Chron - April 6, 2023
First Bay Area death reported from street drug Tranq, intended for use as animal sedative
Bay Area health officials have confirmed the first death in their region from a street drug nicknamed Tranq that can cause the loss of limbs and peeling flesh. Tranq is the street name for the animal tranquilizer xylazine, often combined with other drugs like fentanyl or heroin.
ABC 7 - April 4, 2023
‘Tranq Dope’ Arrives In W.Va.
Appalachia’s ever-present and ever-evolving opioid epidemic has a new cutting agent on the block: xylazine, a sedative medication meant for veterinary use, that is now being mixed into illicit supplies of opioids and fentanyl.
WV Public Broadcasting - April 4, 2023
Appalachia’s ever-present and ever-evolving opioid epidemic has a new cutting agent on the block: xylazine, a sedative medication meant for veterinary use, that is now being mixed into illicit supplies of opioids and fentanyl.
Sarah Laurel spends her days in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, home to some of the most concentrated drug use found anywhere in the United States. More and more, she encounters a new horror: gruesome infections, sores and wounds among people who use illegal opioids.
Penn Live - April 3, 2023
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments
State / Local
Illinois Supply Announces New Naloxone Vending Machine That Holds 50 Boxes of Narcan
Illinois Supply Company in New Lenox, IL has unveiled a newly designed naloxone vending machine that is built specifically to give away free boxes of Narcan in communities struggling to lower opioid overdose death rates.
WFLA - April 10, 2023
California: New treatment options could help curb Oakland’s meth crisis
At Highland and elsewhere, the only real treatment option [for stimulant use disorders] that has historically been available to patients addicted to meth has been psychotherapy—until now. This year, new treatment options for people who have meth use disorder will be coming to Alameda County. The first, known as ‘contingency management’, is a highly-effective, evidence-based behavioral therapy for meth and stimulant use disorder. At least three East Bay providers will offer contingency management therapy. The second is a Highland Hospital-based clinical trial for medication-assisted meth use disorder treatment. Both treatments assume that many patients will relapse, which addiction professionals emphasize is a critical part of the healing process.
The Oaklandside - April 7, 2023
Wisconsin: DHS allocates millions to help women with opioid addiction
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services set out to support women with opioid use disorder though a new $10 million project. Wisconsin DHS gave $10 million to three organizations to build spaces to provide treatment and recovery support for Wisconsin women, the department announced Thursday. Wisconsin DHS gave $4.91 million to Arbor Place, $4.91 million to Meta House and $180,000 to Lighthouse Recovery Community Center. Arbor Place will use the money to “establish the first residential treatment facility in western Wisconsin open to supporting pregnant women and mothers.”
Spectrum News1 - April 6, 2023
Texas: Dewitt Perry Middle School student revived with Narcan, police investigating
The Dewitt Perry Middle School nurse and several staff members saved a 13-year-old student's life on April 4. They revived the unconscious student by administering several doses of Narcan. The Carrollton Police Department and Carrollton Fire Rescue arrived shortly after.
CBS - April 6, 2023
Maine lawmaker wants to create substance use disorder hotline
A Maine lawmaker wants to create a substance use disorder hotline. The bill, LD 162, would require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a hotline staffed by medical professionals that would offer assistance to health care providers seeking guidance in the treatment of patients with substance use disorder. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville.
13 WGME - April 5, 2023
Colorado: Recovery high schools help kids heal from an addiction and build a future
Colorado's 5280 Recovery School is one of 43 recovery high schools nationwide. These schools are designed for students who are recovering from substance use disorder and might also be dealing with related mental health disorders. The Denver school opened in 2018 as a public charter school that today enrolls more than 100 students.
NPR - April 4, 2023
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments
Studies/Research in the News
Doctor burnout linked to overprescribing opioids, antibiotics: study
Doctor burnout has been linked to overprescribing opioids and antibiotics, a new study suggests. The study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that general practitioners who work long hours are up to five times more likely to prescribe high levels of medications.
New York Post - April 5, 2023
Drinking a little alcohol every day won’t help you live longer: new study
Previous studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol might have some health benefits — but a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that might not be the case after all.
New York Post - April 5, 2023
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments
Opinion
Why are we denying people with opioid addiction the most effective treatment?
Last month, the FDA made naloxone — the safe and effective drug that can reverse an overdose as it’s happening, of which Narcan is the best-known brand — available over the counter. If manufacturers set an affordable price, expanded access to naloxone could save countless lives. Expanded access to methadone would do the same. So why are doctors like me still barred from prescribing methadone?
Los Angeles Times - April 10, 2023
'I Quit Drinking Wine, My Relationships Changed Completely'
One morning, when I was hungover, I was scouring the internet and I came across a famous TEDx talk about an American actress who overcame her alcohol addiction. She spoke about a science-based treatment that works essentially inside the brain to deduct its alcohol addiction over time. This radically changed everything for me, and in 2017, I fell out of love with alcohol over the course of a year and I haven't thought about it since. It's been over four and a half years now.
Newsweek - April 9, 2023
Harsh punishments for opioid addicts aren’t the solution
As the father of a drug-addicted adult son, I can tell you firsthand that addiction is a family disease. My son did not survive it, and 14 years after his death, our family is and will always be forever changed. It’s why I know with every bone in my body that addicts are rarely cured by consequences. In fact, prison time hardened my son in what my family and I called a free “community college” for drugs and a life of crime.
Idaho Statesman - April 6, 2023
I lost my son to fentanyl. Now my family is on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.
We need new weapons to fight this scourge, including medical treatments not just to reverse overdoses, but to prevent them in the first place.
USA Today - April 5, 2023
Ibogaine for Addiction: We Need To Have a Serious Talk
Why does our society pose such resistance to the use of psychedelics that could provide a revolutionary option in the treatment of addictions? This is the case with ibogaine, a substance extracted from the iboga plant. Studies, like this one from the NIH, show that it is effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, being an important ally for patients to break the cycle of dependence. Due to the social harm that dependency represents, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to treatments with such potential. That's why we need to talk about ibogaine.
Newsweek - April 4, 2023
Addiction Recovery and Relapse
Relapse is seen as a devastating catastrophe and can feel like the end of the world or at least the end of sobriety. But might there be a different way to look at it? What if relapse is simply a part of recovery? What if relapse is sometimes an evil necessary to get to the end game of lifelong sobriety?
Psychology Today - April 3, 2023
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments
Books and Movies
Blue Bag Life review – a remarkable memoir of life with a drug-addict mother
This impressionistic British documentary collage, collectively made by Selby, co-director Rebecca Lloyd-Evans, Alex Fry, Josie Cole and producer Natasha Dack Ojumu, explores motherhood, addiction, inherited pain and artistic growth with candour, reflection and love – complicated, knotty, conflicted love, but love nonetheless.
The Guardian - April 8, 2023
Macklemore on fighting addiction, breakout year and his 2014 Grammy win
The rapper, whose birth name is Benjamin Haggerty, has recently released his first new album in over five years, titled "Ben." This album offers a candid portrayal of Macklemore's life, covering topics such as his struggles with mental health and addiction, which he said began for him at the age of 14. "My addiction began the first time that my parents' Smirnoff half gallon of vodka hit my lips. That was the very beginning," Macklemore said. While recording "Ben," Macklemore said he relapsed. He shared a pivotal moment when he realized he needed to stop using drugs after his wife Tricia took a pregnancy test and he was high.
CBS - April 6, 2023
Ruston Kelly Survived Addiction and Hearbreak. It’s in His ‘Dirt Emo.’
“The Weakness,” out Friday, charts the fragile stability that Kelly, 34, has carved for himself, after an unusual path to music that included training to be a competitive figure skater and a decade of drug addiction.
New York Times - April 4, 2023
National State/Local Studies/Research Opinion Reviews Comments